Craving a delicious and healthy meal that's ready in under 30 minutes? Look no further! This pasta with shrimp and vegetables recipe is the perfect solution for busy weeknights. It's a vibrant, flavorful dish packed with protein and nutrients, making it a fantastic addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and healthy meals. Forget complicated cooking; this homemade cooking masterpiece is surprisingly simple, even for beginner cooks. Get ready to impress yourself and your family with this best recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound linguine or your favorite pasta
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional, can substitute with chicken broth)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the red bell pepper and zucchini and cook for 5-7 minutes, until slightly softened.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through. Avoid overcooking the shrimp; it will become tough.
Step 4: Combine and Simmer
Stir in the cherry tomatoes and white wine (or broth). Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 5: Finish the Dish
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine. Add a little pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Stir in the parsley and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Pasta:
- For extra flavor, use high-quality olive oil.
- Don't overcrowd the skillet when cooking the shrimp; cook in batches if necessary.
- Adjust the amount of lemon juice to your liking. A squeeze of fresh lemon brightens the dish beautifully.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or asparagus.
Variations:
- Spicy Shrimp Pasta: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the skillet for a little heat.
- Creamy Shrimp Pasta: Stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end for a richer sauce.
- Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta: Increase the garlic and lemon juice for a more pronounced lemon-garlic flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the specific ingredients used. However, a general estimate per serving is:
- Calories: Approximately 400-500
- Protein: Approximately 30-40 grams
- Fat: Approximately 15-20 grams
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 40-50 grams
This delicious and easy pasta dish is a perfect example of quick dinner ideas that are both healthy and satisfying. The combination of shrimp and vegetables provides a good source of protein and nutrients, making it a great choice for a weeknight meal. Enjoy this best recipe and let us know what you think!